Get to Know the 2017 History Teachers of the Year: Renny Taylor, North Carolina

This year, the Gilder Lehrman Institute recognized 52 State History Teachers of the Year for their tireless and innovative efforts to make history come alive for their students.

But who are they, really? We asked these talented teachers to answer a few questions about themselves and to reflect on the challenges and joys of teaching. We will feature one state winner every Tuesday and Thursday between now and September, so keep checking back to learn more about these outstanding educators!

This week, meet Renny Taylor:

Renny Taylor, Nash Central High School
2017 North Carolina History Teacher of the Year

What is the last great history book you read?

Pursuit: The Chase, Capture, Persecution, and Surprising Release of Confederate President Jefferson Davis by Clint Johnson.

What is your favorite historical site or museum?
The city, museums, and battlefield sites at Petersburg VA are great. Locally, I am a docent for a plantation house known as Stonewall Manor that was built in 1839 and is a great place for someone to experience Antebellum life.

What advice would you give to young people, in high school or college, who may be considering a career in education, but are unsure?
You have to love history. That love will come out in your teaching and rub off on your students. They will see that you are sharing a passion with them instead trying to get through the class period. They will buy into that passion. Please try to experience history, don’t just read books. Go somewhere and actually say to yourself, "I am standing where history was made. Our country changed because of what happened here."

If you could travel back in time and meet any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Thomas Jefferson. I hope that means that we can have a sit-down at Monticello. I would have to ask him about his relationships with John Adams and Alexander Hamilton. I know he and Adams reconciled, but I want to know about the bad blood during and after the election of 1800. It would be interesting to see if he thought the southern states were within their constitutional rights to secede. I think it would be a hoot to see his reaction to how big and involved our government has gotten.

Who is your favorite historian?
I don’t know if purists would say he qualifies or not but I’m going with Ken Burns. The topics that he has discussed and the way it is presented is appealing to history lovers and people of casual interest.

What is your favorite historical film or series?
John Adams (HBO)

Do you have a favorite historical topic or era?
The antebellum period through the Civil War.

Do your students have a favorite historical topic or era?
My students really enjoy discussing the presidential elections. They love the mud-slinging, political cartoons, and propaganda.